There is growing concern in Utah and nationally about the safety of children who walk or bike to school. With increased traffic congestion around schools, students who choose to walk or bike have limited safe routes, which discourages this healthy activity.

To assist in addressing this public safety and health issue, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) provides Utah schools with walking and biking safety resources through the UDOT Student Neighborhood Access Program (SNAP), and the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.

The main goal of the SRTS Program is to assist and encourage students living within 1.5-2 miles to safely walk or bike to school. Available funding can be used for both non-infrastructure (education and encouragement programs), and infrastructure (physical improvements - primarily new sidewalks, but also school pavement markings, signage, bicycle parking, etc.) type projects.

Both types of funding for SRTS projects are now avilable. The SRTS applications and information are available online. For assistance filling out the application, or with questions regarding the program, please contact Cherissa Olson, School and Pedestrian Safety Program Manager at cmolson@utah.gov or 801-965-4486.